BILLIONAIRE owner Sheikh Mansour will not sanction the sale of Mario Balotelli because he is a great “world-wide advert” for Manchester City.

The Sheikh “likes” Balotelli, according to manager Roberto Mancini, despite the problems he has caused on and off the field.

Mancini has discussed Balotelli’s future with City’s Abu Dhabi heirarchy and been told that having invested £60 million-plus in 22-year-old Italy striker Balotelli, including transfer fee and wages over a five-year contract, the Sheikh refuses to give up on him – yet.

“Sheikh Mansour likes Balotelli because he recognises the talent he has and he exports the name of City over the world,” said Mancini. “We need to consider that Mario was made as a major investment and this is not a club that throws its capital through the window.

“I think Mario will stay but the future depends mostly on him.”

Sheikh Mansour likes Balotelli because he recognises the talent he has and he exports the name of City over the world

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

Mancini’s comments are even more remarkable considering Balotelli was set to take the club to an arbitration panel last month to fight a fine imposed for his disciplinary record. He dropped the case at the last minute. Balotelli has not played since being substituted

following a poor performance in the Manchester derby on December 9, fuelling speculation City were ready to sell in the transfer window.

But Mancini, backed by the Sheikh, is prepared to give Balotelli yet another chance to fulfil his potential – with the warning his attitude must improve.

“The time of cheap talk is over,” said Mancini. “Balotelli is 22 years old and now it’s time to be professional. I ask from him seriousness and commitment in training, a more stable private life and correct behaviour on the pitch.”